1992 MARVEL MASTERPIECES 30th Anniversary Book

[Xazark]

As said many times the delays are not the main problem for me, it's the lying and lack of communication and the deflection of customer frustration and blaming it on customers. Take the blame, apologise and keep communicating stop blaming everything and everyone else for the issues, they chose to get this done overseas, despite their promises in the campaign that it would be US printed, I understand they had to make a call and in hindsight it was probably the wrong one due to delays but own that #@#@#@#@ don't pass it off and deflect that companies are hurting because they had to close and that they had no other choice. They made the decision to go overseas, they made the decision to not communicate it with us, they made the decision to provide little to no updates and blame everyone other than themselves for these problems, they need to stop shirking responsibility and own it. The customer service with this company is just simply atrocious.

They are now saying mid-late March is when THEY will receive the books which means even if that's true, which I don't believe based on their history of miscommunication, it means current dates are already April-May at the earliest and don't forget that Jusko has to sign some of these books so I guess there is his availability too.

[Fenian95]

Just when you thought they couldn't sink any lower.

They deleted DynaEtch's comment and posted this incredibly rude response:

Psss Daniel...Here's the transparency: After 35 years in business, and over 300 million in products sold, we are trying to hide a $50 sale to YOU!

(I HOPE THIS GIVES YOU A LAUGH! Thanks for feeling an attachment to my work)

JOE

PS We would have never had to deal with overseas shipping if our USA printers didn't go under from the Covid limiting stuff here. Similar, of course, to how many actual comic stores, and book stores, and restaurants, and etc etc, that the Covid laws affected, and who went out of business. A real shame in every sense of the word.

I sincerely hope this isn't Joe Jusko posting this. Is one of the owners of FPG named Joe by chance?

[DynaEtch]

Yes, my comment was censored and deleted- a comment that included no cursing or inappropriateness or anything like that- the comment was saying we are now into Feb, would appreciate an update (it was before the Feb update), and expressing a desire for more specifics and transparency related to the project.

I got a rather sarcastic response from "Joe", hoping that isnt Joe Jusko, about hiding a '$50 sale' to me. Well first of all- if it was just a $50 sale, as a backer I can still voice questions about the project. It turns out it is far from $50....for this pledge alone, $420.

They cancelled my pledge without my consent- held my $420 for over a year, and suddenly cancelled/refunded, so I will not get the products I backed for that pledge. This is up there in the most frustrating experiences I've had with a company, probably ever. Thanks FPG.

They never did provide the specifics by the way.....where the books were coming from, or anything like that, despite multiple people asking. Just the same old...we've been in business for 35 years...covid delays...almost no specifics. And this is a book that was claimed to be finished back around december. The most disheartening thing about the project is it being attached to Joe Jusko's name, whom I was always a longtime fan of.

Joe Jusko is a member of the board....any comments?

[Bunny Hop]

Originally Posted by DynaEtch

Yes, my comment was censored and deleted- a comment that included no cursing or inappropriateness or anything like that- the comment was saying we are now into Feb, would appreciate an update (it was before the Feb update), and expressing a desire for more specifics and transparency related to the project.

I got a rather sarcastic response from "Joe", hoping that isnt Joe Jusko, about hiding a '$50 sale' to me. Well first of all- if it was just a $50 sale, as a backer I can still voice questions about the project. It turns out it is far from $50....for this pledge alone, $420.

They cancelled my pledge without my consent- held my $420 for over a year, and suddenly cancelled/refunded, so I will not get the products I backed for that pledge. This is up there in the most frustrating experiences I've had with a company, probably ever. Thanks FPG.

They never did provide the specifics by the way.....where the books were coming from, or anything like that, despite multiple people asking. Just the same old...we've been in business for 35 years...covid delays...almost no specifics. And this is a book that was claimed to be finished back around december. The most disheartening thing about the project is it being attached to Joe Jusko's name, whom I was always a longtime fan of.

Joe Jusko is a member of the board....any comments?

I've been lurking and reading along as an occasional backer of products/board reader and this is shocking to me as a consumer. I have most definitely made note of FPG and the associated parties and will steer clear of supporting them in the future. I can't believe after all this they just cancelled your pledge, Dyna. Really bad business.

[finfangfan]

It does seem like they are being unprofessional and treating you pretty poorly. And it’s a shame since you are obviously one of the biggest supporters of all things MM and have been for years. Brutal.

[fabiani12333]

Originally Posted by DynaEtch

Yes, my comment was censored and deleted- a comment that included no cursing or inappropriateness or anything like that- the comment was saying we are now into Feb, would appreciate an update (it was before the Feb update), and expressing a desire for more specifics and transparency related to the project.

I got a rather sarcastic response from "Joe", hoping that isnt Joe Jusko, about hiding a '$50 sale' to me. Well first of all- if it was just a $50 sale, as a backer I can still voice questions about the project. It turns out it is far from $50....for this pledge alone, $420.

They cancelled my pledge without my consent- held my $420 for over a year, and suddenly cancelled/refunded, so I will not get the products I backed for that pledge. This is up there in the most frustrating experiences I've had with a company, probably ever. Thanks FPG.

They never did provide the specifics by the way.....where the books were coming from, or anything like that, despite multiple people asking. Just the same old...we've been in business for 35 years...covid delays...almost no specifics. And this is a book that was claimed to be finished back around december. The most disheartening thing about the project is it being attached to Joe Jusko's name, whom I was always a longtime fan of.

Joe Jusko is a member of the board....any comments?

I'm sorry this happened to you, Dyna. You're one of the biggest Jusko MM fans out there.

This project has been very strange and worthy of its own book. Maybe some day we'll get definitive answers on what exactly happened to cause the delays.

[PurplesaurusRex]

C'mon Joe, I know you're better than this. Dyna's one of the biggest MM fans out there and has spent a lot of money collecting anything related to Masterpieces. What a gut punch.

[DynaEtch]

Thank you all, I appreciate it. It really is a bummer how they dealt with that.

I have been nearly a lifelong Masterpieces collector, always a big fan of Joe's work for as long as I can remember. Now maybe it was miscommunication or something....it happens. Looking back at the comment left, the response does look light-hearted in reading it again. The cancelling the pledge though...ughh. There is a bit of mob mentality in the comments section from other backers unfortunately.

Anyway in the unlikely chance Mr. Jusko is reading, I have always enjoyed your amazing art, and everything you bring to the hobby. This project included. If there was a misunderstanding or something...it is what it is. It has just been frustration with some aspects of this project generally, which Im sure you are frustrated with just the same- I of course mean no disrespect whatsoever.

fabiani- thanks I got a chuckle out of that- a project about the project, love it All its twists and turns and all. I'll back it! Needed a little bit of comic relief after all this, much appreciated.

[Dukefett]

That's ridiculous. I kind of was debating on whether or not to comment because I didn't want them to pull some #@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@. They're absolute clowns.

[Fenian95]

I'm going to make a new email that can't be traced back to my pledge and contact FPG and Mr Jusko. It's terrible that they are basically being petty tyrants.

[DynaEtch]

I certainly wouldnt want anyone else risk losing their pledges.

Im new to kickstarter so learning something from this...I had no idea the creator can cancel/refund pledges at their whims so easily, without the backer consent, this far into the project. I certainly wasnt cussin them out in the comments or anything, I was asking for an update and more info on the project. Not the only one asking either. It is unfortunate though backers have to walk on eggshells this much or fear being removed, shouldnt be like that.

[Bunny Hop]

Originally Posted by DynaEtch

I certainly wouldnt want anyone else risk losing their pledges.

Im new to kickstarter so learning something from this...I had no idea the creator can cancel/refund pledges at their whims so easily, without the backer consent, this far into the project. I certainly wasnt cussin them out in the comments or anything, I was asking for an update and more info on the project. Not the only one asking either. It is unfortunate though backers have to walk on eggshells this much or fear being removed, shouldnt be like that.

Dyna, I know it's of little consolation but in my eyes you did nothing wrong here. Even if you had commented more bombastically their actions would be way out of line. I don't believe it's a common tactic on backer projects to cancel orders but I could be wrong. Chalk this up to another huge communication gaffe and unforced error on the part of FPG. Amateur hour to the extreme.

[glorbgorb]

If they deleted your comment, then that explains why there are so many positive and "rah rah" comments, I guess. They just remove anything that could be perceived as negative.

[DynaEtch]

Originally Posted by Bunny Hop

Dyna, I know it's of little consolation but in my eyes you did nothing wrong here. Even if you had commented more bombastically their actions would be way out of line. I don't believe it's a common tactic on backer projects to cancel orders but I could be wrong. Chalk this up to another huge communication gaffe and unforced error on the part of FPG. Amateur hour to the extreme.

Agreed. Not happy how this went down, but just gonna move on from it. Their decision to do whatever I guess...but what a way to alienate people even more from the project.

Originally Posted by glorbgorb

If they deleted your comment, then that explains why there are so many positive and "rah rah" comments, I guess. They just remove anything that could be perceived as negative.

Yea it almost seems like a bit of control of information in that section. Removing questioning comments, and the near flood of 'rah rah' ones. Always thought the concept of random extra goodies being at stake could be influencing people commenting too.

[Fenian95]

Yeah one other KS I was a backer for did the same thing.

Delayed items and they went SUPER CHEAP for shipping.

So naturally there were a lot of questions in their comments and FB group.

In the end they posted a statement saying shipping questions and concerns wouldn't be allowed and scrubbed everything.

Great product in stores now I would probably buy if I needed again but 100% would NEVER back a campaign of theirs again.

On another note if anyone wants me to pass along a message to FPG please DM me.

[Xazark]

Originally Posted by DynaEtch

Yes, my comment was censored and deleted- a comment that included no cursing or inappropriateness or anything like that- the comment was saying we are now into Feb, would appreciate an update (it was before the Feb update), and expressing a desire for more specifics and transparency related to the project.

I got a rather sarcastic response from "Joe", hoping that isnt Joe Jusko, about hiding a '$50 sale' to me. Well first of all- if it was just a $50 sale, as a backer I can still voice questions about the project. It turns out it is far from $50....for this pledge alone, $420.

They cancelled my pledge without my consent- held my $420 for over a year, and suddenly cancelled/refunded, so I will not get the products I backed for that pledge. This is up there in the most frustrating experiences I've had with a company, probably ever. Thanks FPG.

They never did provide the specifics by the way.....where the books were coming from, or anything like that, despite multiple people asking. Just the same old...we've been in business for 35 years...covid delays...almost no specifics. And this is a book that was claimed to be finished back around december. The most disheartening thing about the project is it being attached to Joe Jusko's name, whom I was always a longtime fan of.

Joe Jusko is a member of the board....any comments?

Really sorry that happened to you Dyna, its not right, especially when you have no recourse and are just asking for an update. The updates previously were from a Sam/Sammy, so I am going to have to assume that comment is from Jusko himself which is really disappointing, I hope I'm wrong but I was also hoping Jusko was as frustrated with this process and lack of communication as the rest of us but maybe not with that comment

[PurplesaurusRex]

If they keep trying to wipe criticism it just draws more attention. All people have been asking for is transparency and honesty, what's so hard about that? I'm sure Joe and company are frustrated too, but there's no point in lashing out at fans. They're the ones supporting this project.

[Fenian95]

I've been given permission to ask Joe directly in the Facebook group where he is most active. I will keep you all posted.

[DynaEtch]

Originally Posted by Xazark

Really sorry that happened to you Dyna, its not right, especially when you have no recourse and are just asking for an update. The updates previously were from a Sam/Sammy, so I am going to have to assume that comment is from Jusko himself which is really disappointing, I hope I'm wrong but I was also hoping Jusko was as frustrated with this process and lack of communication as the rest of us but maybe not with that comment

Yea I think you're right, it likely was. Which is disappointing but I chalk it up as maybe just a lost in translation thing. Perhaps a light hearted joke. Transparency shouldnt be that hard. Would have taken like 1 sentence for them to say 'yea these finished books were shipped on X date, from country Y, here are the timelines'...something, anything more than just being held up in the ocean. Instead of replying with specifics it was a defensive reply about how many years in business, and covid delays. This would be better- confront the questions, even the stern ones...answer them directly.

I sell a $30 item on ebay...I will go out of my way to communicate to my customer if issues arise. If it's delayed in transit and they had specific questions, you bet I would be answering anything and everything I could, go over the tracking, when I sent it, try to provide them with any info I can. But when backers want more info, in some cases basic info, for a massive, $500k+ funded project....it's this big deal, are met with sarcastic type vague answers, and even have their pledge removed.

Originally Posted by PurplesaurusRex

If they keep trying to wipe criticism it just draws more attention. All people have been asking for is transparency and honesty, what's so hard about that? I'm sure Joe and company are frustrated too, but there's no point in lashing out at fans. They're the ones supporting this project.

Absolutely, it's not just the backers being frustrated, no doubt everyone is. Certainly not a one-sided thing with the frustration. Also makes sense to provide the upmost transparency to those funding the bill, for a project so long delayed. Im moving on from it....I just dont want anyone else to lose a pledge, especially at this point.

[BobCollects]

Wow. Just when I thought this whole debacle couldn't get worse, it does. Cancelling someone's pledge for leaving a comment asking for clarity, then deleting the comment but leaving a sarcastic response? Beyond unprofessional. Beyond rude. It's almost like FPG is trolling us at this point.

I don't know why Joe Jusko would be leaving replies on the Kickstarter page. I don't think he works for FPG or was involved in the Kickstarter campaign itself, just the product. Maybe I'm wrong. I contacted him via his official website but never heard back. His last post here at BO was in December 2022:

Any questions on the Kickstarter and the retail sales of the book should be addressed to FPG, either though the website or their Facebook page. I'm not privy to all the marketing strategies of the company, unfortunately.

That doesn't sound like he's connected to FPG in any official capacity.

[jdandns]

Originally Posted by PurplesaurusRex

C'mon Joe, I know you're better than this. Dyna's one of the biggest MM fans out there and has spent a lot of money collecting anything related to Masterpieces. What a gut punch.

I mean, what can be added to this?
I'll try anyway...

This magnificent thread of his making alone proves DynaEtch to be one of the true champions of Marvel Masterpieces to the point where Joe should probably do a painting of him.

My patience level is probably in the 99th percentile, so I'd normally be among the last to register any misgivings regarding the delays, but man, I'll be glad once this campaign is fulfilled and the books delivered.

This is not a good look, in any event. I hope someone from FPG is willing to reach out to DynaEtch and discuss this matter with him with an eye towards making a correction, whatever form that might take.

[PurplesaurusRex]

I hope that's a different Joe. It would almost be a relief.

[DynaEtch]

A lot of the comments seem to be signed with different names....different person each time. So yea who knows, never really know who you're gonna have responding to you.

Originally Posted by jdandns

I mean, what can be added to this?
I'll try anyway...

This magnificent thread of his making alone proves DynaEtch to be one of the true champions of Marvel Masterpieces to the point where Joe should probably do a painting of him.

My patience level is probably in the 99th percentile, so I'd normally be among the last to register any misgivings regarding the delays, but man, I'll be glad once this campaign is fulfilled and the books delivered.

This is not a good look, in any event. I hope someone from FPG is willing to reach out to DynaEtch and discuss this matter with him with an eye towards making a correction, whatever form that might take.

Ha- now that's funny- that would be a pretty lackluster if not terrifying painting (and not because of Joe's artwork, which would be stellar as always )

I was really irritated by this last night. Today...eh I dont want to add more drama to a project that already has it up to the nth degree. I do think there could problems of communication more than anything...alas, the problem with talking through text on a screen.

I admire your super patience...a great virtue for sure. I could probably have used some of that rub off on me. It's one thing if there was a blunt, honest date....maybe like summer 24, and we knew the books would be there by then, and be patient for it. Just all the giving-a-date, then the pushback thing..ughh. At that point it needs some better communication. At the end of the day though...it's just books.

[newhobbygeek]

It is a shame to see FPG treat such a huge MM fan and collector this way. They responded to your comment with that sarcastic response, and then cancel your pledge

FPG should of just said several months ago, "I don't know" instead of guessing at shipping dates once they learned US printer closed.

[jdandns]

Originally Posted by DynaEtch

A lot of the comments seem to be signed with different names....different person each time. So yea who knows, never really know who you're gonna have responding to you.



Ha- now that's funny- that would be a pretty lackluster if not terrifying painting (and not because of Joe's artwork, which would be stellar as always )

I dunno, if Joe could capture you in the moment when you discover where that Magneto 4-card Masterpieces Promo Sheet came from, it'd be as dramatic as the 92 Spider-Man, Hulk, and Wolverine paintings combined!

I don't know your feelings regarding even acquiring the book elsewhere anymore, but at least you have the link to the PDF should you want to read it.